Ivonescimab

2024 was a stagnant year for biopharma stocks, with the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) sliding 4% and the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) dipping 0.3%. Mesoblast's FDA approval led to a 35% jump in its ADRs. Top performers included Bright Minds Biosciences (+2,615%) and Monopar Therapeutics (+1,470%), while Aditxt (-99.89%) and CNS Pharmaceuticals (-99.84%) were the biggest losers.

Summit Therapeutics, with its promising cancer treatment ivonescimab, has seen a 340% share increase since Jan 2023. Ivonescimab, already approved in China, targets non-small cell lung cancer and could generate over $1B annually by 2030. Despite risks, Summit's potential for significant returns makes it an attractive long-term investment.

David Epstein, after selling Seagen to Pfizer, joined Francesco de Rubertis' startup Ottimo Pharma, developing a cancer drug targeting PD-1 and VEGF pathways. Ottimo raised $140 million, aiming to outperform Keytruda and other immunotherapies, with a unique bifunctional antibody design.

UNMC College of Medicine received over $5 million in new funding in October, including grants for studies on COVID-19 testing, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, staphylococcus aureus, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes distress, and more. Industry-sponsored grants supported studies on cancer treatments, neuroHIV, epilepsy, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Viking Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics stocks doubled in 2024. Analysts predict Viking could gain 166% to $125, and Summit 68% to $30 in 2025. Viking's VK2735, a weight loss drug, shows promising trial results. Summit's ivonescimab, a cancer therapy, outperforms Keytruda in trials.

DelveInsight's report on PD-1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Market (2020-2034) highlights market growth, approvals, prevalence, therapies, and companies like Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, and others. Key therapies include KEYTRUDA, OPDIVO, TECENTRIQ, and TIZVENI. Market drivers include premium-priced targeted agents and therapy expansion, while barriers include premium pricing of emerging therapies.

Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT) has surged 860% in 12 months, relying on licensing from Akesobio for its pipeline, including the lead antibody ivonescimab. While ivonescimab is approved in China for NSCLC, FDA approval is pending. Summit's growth hinges on Akesobio's clinical trials, posing a significant risk if they fail. Despite this, Summit's financial stability and Akesobio's ongoing trials suggest potential for recovery, making it a stock to watch.